Group: Without Int'l Help, Niger Headed for 'Humanitarian Tragedy'

A confederation of Catholic relief, development and social service groups says the Sahel region of West Africa is heading for a humanitarian tragedy unless the international community responds to the mounting food crisis.

At least ten million people in the region face hunger, reported Caritas Internationalis on Wednesday, adding that eight million people are at risk in Niger – the worst hit country.

“Niger faces a shortfall of USD 50 million in aid, leaving the country with only have half of what it needs to feed the hungry,” the confederation continued.

“Only 47,000 MT (metric tons) of the 85,000 MT of food aid Niger requested has been committed,” it added.

Niger’s free health system, meanwhile, is “almost bankrupt,” and therefore setting up potentially devastating consequences for children as malnutrition treatment programs are run through health centers.